"It ended in an open break. He reminded me of the favors he had done me.
He had treated me almost like a son, had introduced me to his family,
entertaining me at his table. Where was my gratitude? That was another
bad break on his part, for it made me mad. I told him I had not asked to
be adopted or fed by him; if I had supposed his kindness had an ulterior
motive, I would have seen him at the devil before I accepted a favor. My
career as a financial visitor was ended. Get out of his office! I got.
But the Trolley Combine did not go through. The Planet and the other
papers kept up the fight and--and the widows and orphans are bankrupt, I
presume."
Captain Elisha's pipe had gone out long since. He absently rubbed the
warm bowl between his palms.
"Humph!" he muttered. "So 'Bije was deep in that business, was he?"
"He was. Very deep indeed, I found out afterwards. And, I declare, I
almost pitied him at the time. He acted as if his whole fortune was
staked on the gamble. His hands shook, and the perspiration stood on his
forehead as he talked. I felt as if I had been the means of ruining
him. But of course, I hadn't. He lived for some time after that, and, I
understand, died a rich man."
"Yes. He left what I'd call a heap of money.
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